The Premier Division saw one of the biggest clashes of the season on Thursday night as joint Premier Division 2nd placed Sheepbridge and Whitecross went head to head. Both teams had identical records going into this crucial match. Both teams had 8 wins, 5 draws and 3 defeats. Incredibly both teams have won 75 frames apiece and conceded 53 frames each. The clash between these 2 teams earlier in the season even ended in a draw so this was destined to be a close game.Whitecross hosted this game were the winners would take a huge step toward 2nd place. Shane Phelan took on N.Irish Pool international Paddy Tavey to get thing started. Phelan had his chances but it was Tavey who held firm and give the visiting Sheepbridge a good 1-0 lead.Cathal Phelan is back on the top of his game and playing some fantastic pool for Whitecross. Diarmuid Lonergan plays slow methodical pool but Phelan is a different class and drew the game level for the South Armagh boys. 1-1The team sheet on the website has Paddy O'Callaghan down to play 3rd against Barry Duffy but according to our sources and of course social media Marty O'Callaghan took on Bernie Magee in the 3rd match. Marty O'Callaghan is having a great season for the 'Cross' and although Magee hasn't quite hit the heights of his Corrinshego prime he's still a major player in the pool league. O'Callaghan's excellent potting edged a tight contest and the teams were all square 2-2 and half time.The delayed Paddy O'Callaghan v Barry Duffy was now the 4th match. O'Callaghan is having very patchy season for Whitecross after starting so well. Barry Duffy is a cagey player and not a player O'Callaghan's attacking style is going to suit. Duffy was too cute for the South Armagh player and it was 2-2 at the half way mark.Another Whitecross player with bags of potential but is also having a patchy season is Michael Feenan. He was taking on a more experienced Niall McVerry but with both players having open attacking styles this was was any body's game. It was the self proclaimed 'Tornado' Feenan that gave the home side a crucial 3-2 lead.It was a massive frame for Whitecross because Sheepbridge star player Pat Brady was up next and he was always hot favourite against Joseph McTaggart. It was no surprise when Brady levelled the scores at 3-3 and now we were down to the business end of the nights pool.It was Whitecross captain Gavin Malone taking on Gwyn Trainor to ensure at least a share of the spoils. Malone has worked wonders since he took over the South Armagh side and fighting for 2nd place was surely only in his wildest dreams. This was a close, tight battle with both players well capable of taking the game the full 20mims. It was Malone who stole it at the death for Whitecross to put the hosts 4-3 up.The pressure was on Seamus McGeoghegan of Sheepbridge to half the points. His opponent Mickey O'Hanlon is 1 of Whitecross' top performers of the season and loves a good dog fight. It was no surprise that these 2 experienced campaigners took this to a re-spotted black. Mickey O'Hanlon jumped for joy when he sunk a spectacular black to secure 2pts and put Whitecross in the driving seat for 2nd place.

McGuigan's A moved into 2nd place in the Premier thanks to an easy win against a hapless Killeavy. McGuigan's are a point above Sheepbridge with a game extra played and will need a few favours ifthey are to nick 2nd spot.John Magee got a rare win to put McGuigan's into the lead against Stephen Murphy. The super Mark Shevlin drew level for KIlleavy when he played Paul McAreavey. The McGuigan"s tactic was easy to see. They put their dodgey players early to finish strong. And finish strong they did.Kieran Hanna gave McGuigan's A the lead defeating the experienced Tom Mageniss. Brian Campbell had no problems defeating Pat Quinn for 3-1. Gerald McGuigan made it 4-1 on his own table when he beat Paddy McCann in a feast of potting.Ciaran Hanna Jnr wrapped up the points when he stuffed Killeavy new signing Emmett Fearon and the score was 5-1. The pain was far from over for the visitors when Damien Flanaghan tore into Darren O'Hanlon. Where or where has the Darren O'Hanlon gone that topped the win charts in the 1st couple of months of the season? 6-1 was a route but 7-1 is just a demolition job and it was no surprise when Paul 'Bunty' O'Callaghan hammered Sean Og Duffy and Killeavy strolled back to South Armagh with their tails well and truely between their legs.